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Two police officers are wounded while responding to "domestic incident" call

Police killed suspect Kirk Figueroa, who was wearing ballistic vest

(CNN)Two Boston police officers were in critical condition after being shot by a city constable while answering a domestic call, police said Thursday afternoon.

The suspect in the shootings -- who was wearing body armor -- was killed during an exchange of gunfire with officers, said police Commissioner William Evans.

The officers were identified as Richard Cintolo, a 27-year veteran of the department, and Officer Matt Morris, a 12-year veteran. They underwent surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and were listed in critical condition.

The slain man was identified as Kirk Figueroa, 33, of East Boston.

Evans confirmed media reports that Figueroa was a city constable, giving him the authority to serve warrants, subpoenas and other civil papers. CNN affiliate WBZ reported that Figueroa was sworn into office in July.

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Figueroa didn't have the right to possess the firearms that were found at his residence, Evans said.

Police received a call regarding a "domestic incident" between two male roommates in East Boston around 11 p.m., Evans said.

One man came out of the building and said his roommate threatened him with a large knife, Evans said.

Two officers went inside the residence and were met by a man displaying what appeared to be a "tactical" shotgun, Evans said. Earlier he said the man carried an assault rifle.

Officers outside the residence heard gunshots, entered the building and exchanged gunfire with the man, Evans said. Other officers dragged the two wounded officers outside and began providing first aid, he said.

#BPDAlert: Officers were responding to call for a person with a gun at 136 Gladstone Street at 10:51pm when officers came under fire.